A Thamesmead teenager has been named St John Ambulance regional cadet of the year, taking the title at a three day contest.

Tolu Duckworth, a 17-year-old A-level student at Townley Grammar School, was one of 31 young people vying for honours at Eastwood Hall near Nottingham.

The three-day contest saw the best of the first aid charity’s young volunteers from across the country take part in a variety of tough tasks.

Tolu said: “Being able to represent the youth and their voice is an honour.

“It’s important to value the opinion of the next generation and it’s within our power to ensure St John Ambulance continues to develop and support its younger volunteers.

“St John Ambulance has given me so many great opportunities, such as providing first aid at Trooping the Colour, Wimbledon, and the London Marathon, but it’s also taught me the skills to save a life, which is invaluable.”

Tolu joined St John Ambulance’s Erith Unit over three years ago, and will now represent fellow cadets from across London and the south at public and St John Ambulance events.

As well as being London and south regional cadet of the year for St John Ambulance, Tolu is due to embark on a World Challenge expedition to Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

Martin Houghton-Brown, St John Ambulance’s chief executive, was one of the competition’s assessors and was particularly struck by the high quality of the young volunteers.

He said: “We had some brilliant candidates and I’m very excited to have a new cohort of talented cadets who will be fabulous ambassadors for our important work in the community.”